Dutch experts in disbelief that Mathieu van der Poel didn't win the Velo d'Or: "I couldn't imagine that if you perform like this, you would not win"

The road season has been at an impasse in recent weeks. The year 2023 ended a month ago and in the meantime the first preparations towards 2024 are taking place. In the meantime, many are rewarding the riders with prizes for their performances of the past season. This is also discussed in the WielerFlits Podcast.

Youri is back with a vengeance. When Maxim asks him what he noticed most in the last three weeks, Youri mentions the Velo d'Or election. "For me it had somewhat of a striking winner. I didn't immediately think that Jonas Vingegaard would win that. I couldn't imagine that if you perform like this at three occasions a year and you completely give in for a teammate during the Tour de France, you would not win the Velo d'Or."

The Dutch reporter is referring to Mathieu van der Poel. "He takes two world titles and wins two monuments. What else do you have to do to get that prize? Now father Adrie van der Poel said it nicely in a subclause. If you look at the honors list, there are very few riders on it who have not won the Tour. A French competition, a French prize…"

Maxim then interrupts him. "I know where you want to go, but it is an award where the voters are international. And I would like to point out that Vingegaard's season is more than just the Tour de France. He has won almost everywhere," to which Youri just shakes his head.

Youri then points out: "Then we can immediately draw the conclusion: Mathieu van der Poel will never win the Velo d'Or." To which Maxim replies that he should win the Tour. "Yes, and that's not going to happen," Youri concludes.